The Pitfalls of Partisanship

Published on November 03, 2025

By Alex Lama, Vice Mayor

The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself - Michel de Montaigne, French Philosopher

Today’s political environment is increasingly defined by partisanship. Issues that once invited thoughtful debate are now often viewed through the strict lens of party lines, leaving little room for compromise or differing perspectives. This growing polarization has made cooperation more difficult and civic dialogue more fragile.

Political and social pressure are pervasive on both sides of the spectrum. Individuals are often expected to align fully with their party’s views, even when those views may conflict with personal beliefs or values. Such adherence can discourage independent thinking and erode meaningful discussion about solutions to complex problems affecting our nation.

It is human nature for people to seek a sense of belonging within groups that share their same values and principles. However, when group identity overshadows personal judgment, independent and critical thinking can be blurred. The result is a divided and polarized society where disagreement is seen as a betrayal of your group rather than an opportunity to learn or improve.

A healthy democracy depends on citizens who can question, listen, and evaluate ideas on their merits—not solely on their political basis. I believe that by embracing fact-based analysis, open-mindedness, and mutual respect, Americans can move beyond partisanship toward a more cooperative and unified public discourse that fosters more solutions. Ultimately, we must seek results, not political rhetoric.

Contact Vice Mayor Alex Lama at seat2@sibfl.net or 305.792.1752.